The Lake Windermere District Lions Foundation has put into motion their next big fundraising project.

With the fundraising for the Invermere Fire Department rescue vehicle project completed as of April 2010 (which cost $425,000 and took the better part of two years to complete), the Windermere Lions are now looking to support the upgrades for the Invermere and District Hospital helipad.

“Since the closure of the old helipad, STARS has had to operate from the airport, and we find this unacceptable for our community” said Windermere Lion Leo Kienitz.

“Time is always of the essence when it comes to medical situations and having the helipad at the hospital is imperative.”

Kienitz went on to add that the project was also to “ensure that this is not forgotten, and to keep people thinking about the helipad, as we are in dire need of it. There’s not one person that could say they don’t care [about the helipad], it matters.”

The Windermere Lions will be spearheading various fundraisers and solicit donations from business, community associations and citizens in the area in order to raise the funds needed.

However, the Windermere Lions believe that this undertaking will be completed much more quickly than the rescue vehicle project.

The first fundraiser for the helipad cause will be the Windermere Lions 8th annual Charity Golf Day, held at Copper Point Golf Course, on July 19.

For $65 (golf cart included) the public can play the course, with proceeds going towards the helipad project.

Donations can also be made to the Windermere Lions for the project. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $100 or larger.

As for why people should come out to the Charity Golf Day and help kick-start the new project, Kienitz said, “If, for no other reason, for where the proceeds are going. You can have a fun day of golf with proceeds going to a good charity and local cause.”